How To Fix QE485 - A selected characteristic is already in a signature process

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: QE - RM-QSS Fehlertexte zur Ergebniserfassung

• Message number: 485

• Message text: A selected characteristic is already in a signature process

What causes this issue?

You want to complete the selected characteristics.

System Response

You cannot complete the characteristics because a multilevel signature
strategy was selected via the signature strategy.

How to fix this error?

The characteristics can only be completed via the transaction for
continuing the signature process. Choose <LS>Logistics
</> -> <LS>Quality Management</> -> <LS>Quality Inspection</> ->
<LS>Worklist</> -> <LS>Signature Process</>.

Procedure for System Administrators

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message QE485 - A selected characteristic is already in a signature process ?

  The SAP error message QE485, which states "A selected characteristic is already in a signature process," typically occurs in the context of Quality Management (QM) within SAP. This error indicates that the characteristic you are trying to work with is currently being processed in a signature process, which means it is locked for changes or updates until that process is completed.
  Cause:
  
  Concurrent Processing: The characteristic is being used in another transaction or process that requires a signature, such as a quality inspection or a quality notification.
  Locking Mechanism: SAP uses a locking mechanism to prevent data inconsistencies. If a characteristic is locked for signature processing, it cannot be modified or used in another process until the lock is released.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check for Active Processes: Identify if there are any active processes that are using the characteristic. You may need to check with your colleagues or review the transaction logs to see if someone else is currently working with it.
  Wait for Completion: If the characteristic is indeed in use, you may need to wait until the current signature process is completed. Once it is released, you should be able to access and modify the characteristic.
  Release the Lock: If you have the necessary permissions, you can try to release the lock manually. This can be done using transaction codes like SM12 (to view and delete locks) or SM21 (to check the system log for any issues).
  Contact Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or system administrator for assistance. They may have additional tools or insights to help you resolve the locking issue.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as:
  
  QE01: Create Quality Notification
  QE02: Change Quality Notification
  QE03: Display Quality Notification
  SM12: Display and Delete Locks
  SM21: System Log
  
  
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to Quality Management and signature processes to understand how they work and how to manage them effectively.
  User Permissions: Ensure that you have the appropriate permissions to access and modify characteristics in the QM module.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the QE485 error and continue with your work in SAP.